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Yoga There are several different types, including: karma yoga, the way of action; bhakti yoga, the way of love and devotion, especially to a deity; and tantra, which uses sexual and imaginative energy. There are eight stages, covering ethical conduct, physical exercises, breathing exercises, concentration and meditation. The type best known in the West is ‘hatha’ yoga. ‘Ha’ means sun and ‘tha’ means moon, referring to the fact that hatha yoga aims to balance the flow of subtle energy as it enters and leaves our body. This is done through physical exercises or ‘postures’ and breathing exercises known as ‘pranayama’ (‘prana’ meaning subtle energy). Hatha yoga ensures that the body is healthy and relaxed and prepares a person for the higher practices of concentration and meditation. Hatha yoga works on every area of the body and on the internal organs as well as the outer ones, creating suppleness, strength and stamina. It is non-competitive and can be done by people of all ages and levels of fitness. Practice can be geared to specific conditions such as pregnancy and old age or problems like back pain and asthma. It is best learnt from a teacher to start with and not a book or tape, as you risk injuring yourself if you don’t do the postures properly or strain too much at them. Ideally, you should then practise a little at home every day. No special equipment or clothes are needed.
East Devon South Devon Exeter |
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